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This chapter explores the Stoics’ views about impressions and assent. Assent is the linchpin of the Stoic system. It is the fundamental psychological activity; the key to the difference between virtuous and vicious people. One assents to impressions, which are alterations or changes in the mind. Two schools of thought are discussed, that imply that what one assents to is not an impression, but rather a proposition — something like a statement or sentence — connected with the impression.

This chapter explores the Stoics’ views about impressions and assent. Assent is the linchpin of the Stoic system. It is the fundamental psychological activity; the key to the difference between virtuous and vicious people. One assents to impressions, which are alterations or changes in the mind. Two schools of thought are discussed, that imply that what one assents to is not an impression, but rather a proposition — something like a statement or sentence — connected with the impression.